Libbi Swan is a proud Queenslander who decided to make the Big Apple her home about 6 years ago. We were able to sit down with her to find out a bit more about her thoughts on New York and why she sees that staying connected to Aussies is so valuable to her.
Where did you grow up in Australia?
I grew up in Brisbane and had a brief stint in Sydney before moving to New York. I’m a very proud Queenslander and definitely miss the pristine Queensland beaches more than anything – Rockaway just doesn’t hit the same way our beautiful Aussie beaches do.
What do you do for work in NYC?
I’m Chief Operating Officer at the American Australian Association.
What neighborhood do you live in? Why did you choose it? Why do you like living in it?
I’ve lived in Chelsea for the majority of the time I’ve lived in NYC. I love that it’s so close to Meatpacking and West Village, but it’s also easy to get anywhere in the city. I especially love being so close to the water and having Hudson River Park and Chelsea Piers so close by – a walk along the Hudson gives you a breath of fresh air and almost feels like an escape from the city.
What were your first impressions of NYC and how has that changed since you have lived here?
I thought that NYC was such a big city – and with a population of 8 million people statistically it is. But the longer you are here, the more you realize that New York can also be like a small town. As you grow your world here, the city feels smaller and more connected. I have more chance run ins with people in NYC than I ever did in Brisbane.
What do you like/dislike about living in NYC?
It’s the everyday life admin tasks that the city makes unnecessarily difficult. I had never imagined that I would spend my years living in NYC dreaming of owning a washing machine!
What’s your biggest achievement since living in NYC?
We’ve recently opened a new headquarters for the American Australian Association which has a great new event space which can act as a home for the Australian community in New York, including the wonderful women of AWNY. Seeing this project through from inception to design and construction and now having it up and running has been extremely challenging, especially through Covid, but I have learned so much from the experience. The creation of the new space is a big milestone for the Association in our 75th Anniversary year.
What are some ‘only in New York’ moments you’ve had?
During the pandemic when there was only outdoor dining, a friend and I were having dinner at Café Cluny in the West Village. We looked across and Amy Poehler was sitting at the table next to us. We did not play it cool at all and tried to get a sneaky pic and she totally busted us.
What do you do in your ‘spare time’ in NYC?
Broadway! My favourite thing about New York City is the endless offering of arts & culture available constantly. I studied Musical Theater, so I love getting to experience shows on Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway that we wouldn’t ever have the opportunity to see in Australia.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given about living/working in NYC?
I was told on my first day working in the city that the most important thing you can do is make sure you get out of the city every few months. New York may be the city that doesn’t sleep, but the energy that you use getting through the day to day here is next level. Getting out of the city on holidays or even just a long weekend or day trip to breath some fresh air and get out in nature is so important for recharging and recuperating. It lets you tackle the city with a refreshed energy until you need to repeat again a couple of months later.
Have you kept connections with Aussies/NZers in NYC? If so.. what does that community of Aussies mean to you (being so far from home)?
I’m fortunate that my work was always going to keep me tied to the Australian community. However, when I first moved here I really wanted to have a true American experience and tried to avoid being surrounded by too many Aussies. Eventually I realized that for me, having ties to home and being surrounded by people who have similar values, beliefs and understand the trials and tribulations of being an Aussie expat in New York made a huge difference and helped me feel like I belong in my home away from home.
What are your top 3 tips for friends visiting NYC?
I tell everyone to go to Sleep No More – if you haven’t been, it’s an amazing immersive theater show in Chelsea. Every you time you go you have a completely different experience so I love to take visitors there.
Who are some Aussie ladies doing awesome things in NYC who are currently on your radar?
Jillian Geurts is an Aussie actor in the city and one of the co-founders of the Australian Theatre Festival NYC. You may have recently spotted Jill in Season 2 of “And just like that” but her and the team at Australian Theatre Festival NYC are doing incredible work telling Australian stories and employing Australian actors in New York. Check out more about the festival and their upcoming Gala here: https://australiantheatrefestival.com
Meggie Palmer is doing amazing work at Peptalkher closing the gender pay gap. Any ladies looking for ways to negotiate their salaries and career advice, should definitely check it out. https://www.peptalkher.com
Coincidentally, Jill and Meggie are also fellow Queenslanders.
What do you like most about being part of AWNY?
Meeting the amazing and diversely talented women in NYC working across different industries at so many levels. It’s so inspiring to see Aussie women kicking goals everywhere you look in the city.
What is the best way for AWNY members to get in touch or communicate with you? (eg, email, website, social media links)
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/libbiswan
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 